Safety first for pupils when construction starts on new school

Herald reporter

Plans have been put in place to get pupils safely to classes during the construction of a new primary school.

Construction of the new Bishopbriggs primary and nursery school will begin in February 2016 and will result in changes to parking and access arrangements at Woodhill Primary School and Cleddens Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Bishopbriggs.

The new school will replace the existing Cleddens Early Learning and Childcare Centre, Auchinairn Primary and Woodhill Primary Schools and is scheduled to open during session 2016/17.

In order to build the school safely, some restrictions on access to the site are needed and this may affect how children travel to and from school.

From February 2016 parents or carers of primary school pupils will not be permitted to bring their car on to the school site. Spaces will be limited and reserved for early years drop off, the school bus and staff parking where necessary. To support this, the school gate at Kirriemuir Road will only be open for pedestrian access in the morning and afternoon and will be closed to vehicles at busy times.

During school drop off and pick up times no construction traffic will be allowed to move to and from the site. No construction traffic will use Kirriemuir Road, as this will continue to be the main pupil access to the school and Cleddens Early Learning and Childcare Centre. Construction traffic will come onto the site from Ochil Road.

Council Leader, Rhondda Geekie, said: “The safety of our pupils is of the utmost importance and all the measures being introduced are to reduce the risks to children travelling to and from school. We have reviewed the walking routes and school crossing points to make sure they are suitable and there will be an increased community warden and police presence during school drop off and pick up times.

“All pupils have been issued with a ‘Travelling to school during construction’ leaflet which clearly details all the changes to the parking and access. It also includes a map which highlights school crossing patrols, walking and cycle paths and walking distances from the school. The leaflet is also available on our website.”

Cllr Geekie continued: “By ensuring that parents, carers and residents are fully informed about the parking and access arrangements we hope to reduce travel disruption. We appreciate that the changes may cause inconvenience but we would ask for the support and cooperation of the school community and local residents during the construction phase.”

To ensure the safety of pupils and to reduce traffic congestion parents should consider the following -

- Use the school bus. The bus provides safe travel to school, dropping pupils within the school site. If you live one mile or more from school you may be entitled to a free bus place.

- Walk and cycle if possible.

- If you need to drive, remember you cannot park at the school. Please park in the surrounding area and walk the remainder. - Remember that Kirriemuir Road, Thrums Avenue and Ochil Road are often busy and parking may be difficult. Please look for alternative places to park and be considerate to local residents.

A copy of the ‘Travelling to school during construction’ leaflet is available on the Council website - www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/residents/schools-and-learning/primary-school-improvement-programme/woodhill-auchinairn-primary